PUEBLO, CO, August 09, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Michael A. Occhiato with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Mr. Occhiato celebrates many years' experience in his professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Occhiato was inspired by his father to pursue business leadership roles throughout his career. Upon graduation from the University of Denver in 1991, also a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Mr. Occhiato served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Flight Officer. Upon his discharge as a Lt., Mr. Occhiato began his business career as Sales Manager for Tivoli Brewing Company. He later became Plant Manager, in addition to attending U.S. Brewers Academy. In 1970, Mr. Occhiato embarked upon a long tenure with Pepsi-Cola of Pueblo, CO, a franchise which encompassed Northern New Mexico, So. Colorado, and the panhandle of Texas. In addition to his corporate duties, Mr. Occhiato was the company corporate King Air pilot for Pueblo Pepsi and Canner's Inc., a division of Pueblo. In 1978, Mr. Occhlato was appointed to the office of President of the Pueblo/Santa Fe, New Mexico franchises. During his term as President of Pueblo Pepsi, Mr. Occhiato served two terms as President of the Colorado Soft Drink Association. 1978 through 1979. In 1982, Pueblo Pepsi was acquired by PEPSI CO, whereas Mr. Occhiato became the Area Vice President. With Pepsi Co, Mr. Occhiato was also a member of the Pepsi Cola Management Institute. In 1984, upon completing his MBA from the University of Colorado, Mr. Occhiato pursued other business interests. In 1984, Mr. Occhiato was elected to his second term as a member of the Pueblo City Council. During his twenty four year term, he was president for eight years, President of the Pueblo Area Council of Government, and served on various boards and commissions. In 1990, Mr. Occhiato was selected to serve as one of seventy five US Municipal Officials, at the United Nations Sustainable Environmental World six day Conference which encompassed 425 other municipal officials throughout the world. As a member of the municipal government, Mr. Occhiato was one of the first Board members of the Pueblo Economic Development Commissions. He had numerous opportunities to participate in economic development for Pueblo, CO. He personally participated, as a member of a select team, in bringing economic development to Pueblo. Such achievements were McDonald Douglas of California, Trane Corporation of Wisconsin, Target Distribution, and others. As President of the Council in 2006, Mr. Occhiato was instrumental in bringing AT&T to Pueblo as a call center incorporating 350 new jobs. Mr. Occhiato was an initial member of the Pueblo Urbal Renewal Commission, initially founded by his father Joseph M Occhiato of Pueblo. Working with Commission Chairman, Tony Fortino and Gary Trijullo, they initiated a Pueblo Convention Center which highlights the Pueblo HARP. Mr. Occhiato also was instrumental in developing Sister City relationships with Weifang, China, where he led a three member team to bring the two cities together. He also lead a team in bringing Chihuahua, Mexico on as a sister city. As a highlight, Mr. Occhiato worked with Dr. Tony Zeiss, then President of the Pueblo Community College in selling the idea of a "River Walk" to the members of the Pueblo City Council. There was strong opposition to pursue the idea. However, with his leadership and forward thinking, he was able to secure initial funding for design and development plans enabling Dr. Zeiss's group to sell the idea to the citizens of Pueblo for ratifying. Without this initial funding, Pueblo Historic Arkansas River Project would have ended up as a long ago thought. Today, Pueblo's HARP is a main attraction to Southern Colorado. It is an attraction not seen in other parts of the state. In the fall, the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce holds its annual "Pueblo Chili" fest, drawing over 100,000 people for the two day event. It has enabled Pueblo area farmers to brag about their chili across the Southern United States and improve their marketing of the Southwest's best chili.
From 1995 thru 2012, Mr. Occhiato was employed as a licensed realtor. He was employed by Sound Venture Realty and Coldwell Banker Partners.
Mr. Occhiato was also a member of the first Emergency Medical Technician association in Pueblo. He was mentored by the former developer of EMT Pueblo, Dr. Harold Wexler, of Parkview Hospital.
Mr. Occhiato serves as a member of the Colorado State University Pueblo Foundation Board and has been a strong advocate and supporter of CSU-Pueblo.
Mr. Occhiato currently is owner of Occhiato Land and Cattle which raises Black Angus cows, calves and bulls. He is a member of the Colorado Cattleman's Association and American Quarter Horse Association.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to his profession and the Marquis Who's Who community, Mr. Occhiato has been featured on the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement website. Please visit www.ltachievers.com for more information about this honor.
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